Government

About Government News...

Transport Topics government and regulatory coverage keeps managers of a highly-regulated industry aware of the policy decisions that can shape their businesses. Covering both the legislative and regulatory aspects of policy-making, at both the state and national levels, the news in this category includes looks at infrastructure, hours of service, emissions rules, funding measures, leadership appointments, and more. Readers can follow what’s happening in Congress, at the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, and in state and local governments.

Government

Court Declines to Rehear Calif. Low-Carbon Fuel Case

A federal appeals court has declined to rehear a legal challenge to block implementation of California’s low-carbon fuel standard aimed at lowering greenhouse-gas emissions in the transportation sector.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
January 23, 2014

Daily Briefings from Transport Topics

Transport Topics has partnered with Spoken Layer to make one-minute daily briefings available on all your smart devices. Simply say “Alexa, play Transport Topics” or “Okay Google, talk to Transport Topics” to get the day’s biggest trucking headlines.

Business, Fuel, Government

Diesel Price Declines to $3.873; Gasoline Also Falls

Diesel and gasoline both fell for a second straight week, with diesel declining 1.3 cents to $3.873 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported.

Michael G. Malloy | Web Editor
January 22, 2014
Government

FMCSA to Shut Down Carriers Based on Executives’ Past Safety Violations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has finalized a rule to allow officials to shut down trucking companies based on patterns of safety violations by the company or its leaders.

January 22, 2014
Business, Government, Safety

Marten Reports Record Earnings in 2013

Truckload carrier Marten Transport reported 2013 was the best financial year in its history, but fourth-quarter income declined.

January 22, 2014
Government

FMCSA Suspends Some HOS Regulations for Propane Haulers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has temporarily waived enforcement of certain trucking regulations as part of an emergency declaration covering 34 Eastern, Southern and Midwestern states and the District of Columbia through Feb. 11.

Jonathan S. Reiskin | Associate News Editor
January 21, 2014
Government

FMCSA Set to Release Proposals On ELDs, Drug-Test Database

WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it is close to releasing proposals to require electronic logging devices in all trucks and to establish a clearinghouse for employers to check for positive drug and alcohol tests before hiring drivers.

January 20, 2014
Editorial, Government

Editorial: Safety Equals Flexibility

Two hundred thirty-six. That is how many truck occupants died in highway crashes during 2012 who were not wearing a safety belt, according to the federal government.

January 20, 2014
Government

House Forms Special Panel on Public-Private Partnerships

Public-private partnerships have gained ground in the debate over how to pay for roads and other infrastructure projects with the announcement of a special House panel to explore P3 issues and opportunities.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
January 17, 2014
Government, Business, Safety

Distracted Driving Remains Top Issue for NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board said Jan. 16 distracted driving remains a top concern for the agency in 2014, and it will continue advocacy efforts to eliminate distraction in transportation.

January 16, 2014
Government, Business

Economy Expands at Moderate Pace; Transportation Services Mostly Positive, Fed Says

The U.S. economy continued to expand at a moderate pace from November to the end of the year, with reports on transportation services generally positive, the Federal Reserve said.

January 16, 2014